EAA/ANN AirVenture Innovation Preview

Objects To Large Aircraft Security Program

In light of the recent Department of Homeland Security Inspector
General's report, in which the IG concluded “We
determined that general aviation presents only limited and mostly
hypothetical threats to security,” the Alaska Congressional
delegation has renewed its call for the Department of Homeland
Security to reconsider the proposed TSA rules on general aviation,
as the negative consequences seem to outweigh the potential
threat.

In February 2009, the Alaska Delegation objected to the
TSA’s proposed Large Aircraft Security Program (LASP),
saying, “Our primary concern is that this plan’s
far-reaching effects have not been properly weighed against
potential threats. We fear the LASP plan may drastically impact the
lives of our constituents with little security gain.”

The proposed regulations would ban from the aircraft cabin many
commonly transported items, such as hand tools and legally-required
survival gear, thereby restricting the flow of basic necessities to
isolated communities. Additionally, the regulations would require
fingerprinting and background checks of pilots, watch-list matching
of passengers and aircraft screening. The State of Alaska estimated
compliance could cost $400,000 per community. The comment period on
the proposed regulations has closed, and the TSA is due to publish
a revised proposal or final rules.

“This report further substantiates my concern that the
TSA’s new regulations needlessly threaten our vital aviation
industry,” Senator Lisa Murkowski (pictured) said. “I
hope that the TSA will keep these findings in mind when developing
security rules for general aviation.”

Senator Mark Begich added, “General aviation is essential
to transportation in our state. We are not opposed to security
improvements, however, any new regulations should not be overly
burdensome to Alaska’s general aviation community.”

Rep. Don Young said, "Across the board regulations are not the
answer here. What works in states in the Lower 48 will not work in
Alaska where general aviation is essential to the survival of some
smaller communities. I hope that TSA will closely examine this
before making further determinations."